Defense Minister Moshe Dayan announced today that starting next Sunday, April 30, residents of the Gaza Strip will be granted the same freedom of movement to and from Israel enjoyed by residents of the West Bank. Dayan made the announcement during a visit to Gaza, The new policy was approved by the Cabinet last Sunday although the Mapam faction objected to the move viewing it as a prelude to Israel’s annexation of the strip.
But most observers here saw the easing of travel restrictions as nothing more than a consequence of the greatly improved security situation in the Strip. The freedom to travel does not include permission to remain in Israel overnight without special permission. Gaza Strip residents who want to work in Israel will still require permits. The new decision does not apply to persons classified as security risks.
Dayan pointed out that Israel is the only authority in the Strip and therefore has to take care of the population as if it were an Israeli population though they might be foreign citizens. Up to now, Gaza Strip residents were allowed to travel to and from the West Bank and into other Arab countries but had to have special permits and travel over a prescribed route.
Dayan met today with Gaza’s Mayor Rashid Shawa who recently called for United Nations protection of the Gaza Strip to prevent Israeli annexation, a statement Israelis considered provocative. But according to Dayan, everyone is entitled to make statements as long as they don’t undermine Israel’s security.
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